Forever Ago

American Public Media

Brains On presents Forever Ago®, a history show for the whole family! Every episode looks into the surprising and fascinating history of things we think are ordinary, but they’re not -- like ice cream flavors, video games, baths and more. We make learning about the past fun while teaching listeners to think critically about history. read less

Our Editor's Take

Forever Ago is a family podcast that uncovers the surprising origins of everyday things. Joy Dolo, a Minnesota-based performer, teacher, and writer, hosts the show. Each week, Joy has a different guest cohost-a kid who assists her in exploring that episode's topic. The podcast is a production of American Public Media. This means listeners can be sure they're getting well-researched and accurate information.

The podcast aims to foster a love of history in children. The show does this in several ways. It uses a playful tone with lots of silly banter. The show ties in historical events and discoveries with present-day reality. It also focuses on events that children might not have heard about elsewhere. Using storytelling to make history more engaging is an old and effective trick. Forever Ago elevates it and adds its distinctive flair.

Joy and her cohost are careful to choose topics that reflect the perspectives of all Americans. They devote one episode to cornrows. They explore why the lawn is symbolic of the American dream and how that affects the environment. They learn about Cheng I Sao, a female Chinese pirate from the early 1800s who was in charge of the South China Sea. They explore the historical reasons why many African Americans dislike swimming. A guest historian often comes on to talk about a topic in more detail.

Lovers of trivia will enjoy playing along with "First Things First!" It's a segment where Joy and her cohost guess which of three items came first. What came first-neon clothes, baseball caps, or bell-bottom pants? What about cheese, juggling, or written language? Listeners will get to find out the answers.

Forever Ago is an excellent choice for kids who like to know where things come from. Parents and big kids will also appreciate learning about little-known people and events. Episodes come out once a week and each one lasts about half an hour. Fans of podcasts like Smash Boom Best may appreciate this show.

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Kids & FamilyKids & Family

Education for KidsEducation for Kids

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Who invented wheelchair basketball?

Who invented wheelchair basketball?

Less than a hundred years ago, wheelchairs were big clunky wooden chairs that couldn’t even fit through most doorways. But in the 1930s, a pair of engineers dreamed up a new kind of wheelchair that would change the lives of wheelchair-users dramatically. In fact, some of them invented a new sport that would become a worldwide sensation: wheelchair basketball. Join Joy and co-host Otis as they explore the history of this amazing sport and check out Otis’ wheelchair basketball practice! Plus, an all new First Things First!Resources:If you want to read more about the history of wheelchair basketball, check out this article by David Davis. Davis also wrote a book called Wheels of Courage that explores how World War II veterans invented wheelchair sports.

Episodes

Who invented wheelchair basketball?

Who invented wheelchair basketball?

Less than a hundred years ago, wheelchairs were big clunky wooden chairs that couldn’t even fit through most doorways. But in the 1930s, a pair of engineers dreamed up a new kind of wheelchair that would change the lives of wheelchair-users dramatically. In fact, some of them invented a new sport that would become a worldwide sensation: wheelchair basketball. Join Joy and co-host Otis as they explore the history of this amazing sport and check out Otis’ wheelchair basketball practice! Plus, an all new First Things First!Resources:If you want to read more about the history of wheelchair basketball, check out this article by David Davis. Davis also wrote a book called Wheels of Courage that explores how World War II veterans invented wheelchair sports.

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Movie Forever Ago

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Movie Forever Ago

Joy is building a movie theater in the basement of Brains On! Headquarters. She’s got the popcorn, air conditioning, and comfy seats but is overwhelmed by all the cool but complicated technology that makes movies magical. Join Joy and Forever Ago producer Nico Gonzalez Wisler for a silver-screen edition of First Things First!

Smash Boom Best: Bubble Gum Vs. Gummy Bears

Smash Boom Best: Bubble Gum Vs. Gummy Bears

This week, we’ve got a very special episode from our besties at Smash Boom Best!This debate is a tasty tussle between a chewy champion and a gummy grizzly. Grab your lunch boxes and protect your hair, because it’s Bubble Gum vs. Gummy Bears! Actor, improvisor, and creative extraordinaire Alsa Bruno is all in for glorious Gummy Bears and Forever Ago host Joy Dolo is here to hype the hubbub for team Bubble Gum! Which side will stick it out for the win? Gleeful Gummy Bears or beloved Bubble Gum?

Why do we eat popcorn at the movies?

Why do we eat popcorn at the movies?

Popcorn is a buttery, tasty treat. You can find it everywhere, from circuses to sports games. But it’s probably best known for its starring role as a movie theater snack! So why do we eat popcorn at the movies anyway? Why not pizza or peanuts or potato chips? Join Joy and co-host Rose as they dive into the delicious history of this beloved snack and learn how for a long time, movie theater owners refused to let people eat popcorn in their fancy buildings. Plus, they’ll meet a very famous popcorn influencer and try their luck with a sweet new First Things First featuring Slurpees, Milk Duds and Sour Patch Kids! Resources:Check out pictures of the first steam-powered portable popcorn poppers and the super snazzy movie palaces of the 1920s.This episode was sponsored by:Walt Disney Studios - Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 is coming to theaters, June 14th.PRX - Check out new episodes of PRX's Jamming on the Job wherever you get your podcasts.

Hole in One: History of the bagel

Hole in One: History of the bagel

Today, bagels are a classic American breakfast food. But less than 100 years ago, most people in the U.S. had never heard of them! Join Joy, co-host Arianna, and special guest Sohla El-Waylly of the Deep Dish podcast to learn how a group of tough, dedicated bakers helped bagels go from nearly unknown to breakfast big shot. Plus, Arianna pays a visit to Asa’s Bakery in Minneapolis and learns how to roll bagels and bialys. And of course, a brand new First Things First!Featured Experts:Sohla El-Waylly is a chef, cookbook author and podcast host! Check out her books, recipes and cooking tips on her website.Asa Diebolt, is a baker and owner of Asa’s Bakery in Minneapolis, MN.This episode was sponsored by:Walt Disney Studios - Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 is coming to theaters, June 14th.PRX - Check out new episodes of PRX's Jamming on the Job wherever you get your podcasts.

Terrific Toilets: how humans solved the potty problem

Terrific Toilets: how humans solved the potty problem

It’s easy to take toilets for granted, but these porcelain thrones are nothing short of marvelous. In this episode, Joy and co-host Caleb find out how bathrooms and sewers helped civilizations grow. Plus they take a pit stop in ancient Rome where public restrooms were very public. And they learn about a privy fit for a literal queen. Enjoy and remember to wash your hands when you’re done!This episode was sponsored by:Walt Disney Studios - Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 is coming to theaters, June 14th.PRX - Check out new episodes of PRX's Jamming on the Job wherever you get your podcasts.

How guide dogs came to lead the way

How guide dogs came to lead the way

Dogs have served as human’s loyal companions for thousands of years. They’ve also been trained to do some pretty cool jobs! In today’s episode, Joy and cohost Oliver learn all about the history of guide dogs. These are canine companions that are trained to help guide people who are blind or have vision loss. They’ll also meet 16 year old Ella Shea and her guide dog Pico! Plus, we’ll hear one of your invention mentions, and play a brand new edition of First Things First!Resources:To learn more about guide dog schools, visit https://www.igdf.org.uk/This episode was sponsored by:Walt Disney Studios- Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 is coming to theaters, June 14th.

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Rock, Paper Scissors

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Rock, Paper Scissors

It’s a Forever Ago face-off! Joy has turned the garage at HQ into a boxing arena and has brought in Molly Bloom and Nico Gonzalez Wisler for a rock, paper, scissors showdown! Grab your smarty pass to witness the raw power of rock, paper, scissors!

Where did the Fortune Cookie come from?

Where did the Fortune Cookie come from?

When most of us think of fortune cookies, we think of those little folded cookies that come with Chinese food. But did you know that fortune cookies aren’t from China? So where did they come from? And why do we think of them as Chinese? Join Joy and co-host Harlem as they find answers and trace the cookie’s journey. We’ll also hear from journalist Jennifer 8. Lee who wrote an entire book all about fortune cookies, plus a brand new First Things First!Featured expert: Jennifer 8. Lee is a journalist, film producer, and author. She wrote an entire book about the history of fortune cookies called The Fortune Cookie Chronicles. Lee also produced a documentary about the origins of General Tso’s Chicken. To learn more, check out her website.Resources: To learn more about the internment of Japanese Americans, check out the graphic novel Displacement by Kiku Hughes.This episode was sponsored by:Walt Disney Studios- Disney and Pixar's Inside Out 2 is coming to theaters, June 14th.

Forever Ago is Back May 15!

Forever Ago is Back May 15!

Hey Forever Ago Friends!! Ready for more Forever Ago FUN?! Well you’re in luck— Forever Ago is back with a brand new season May 15th! Tune in to learn all about how wheelchair basketball was invented, why we eat popcorn at the movies, and what humans did with their doo before modern toilets!

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Instrumental Enigma

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Instrumental Enigma

Forever Ago host Joy Dolo has a brand-new game she’s calling Instrumental Enigma. It sounds like a lot of fun! Emphasis on sounds! Grab your Smarty Pass to hear what producers Rosie duPont and Aron Woldeslassie think of the new game and all of its interesting sounds!

Whatchamicallit: A Smarty Pass Sneak Peek

Whatchamicallit: A Smarty Pass Sneak Peek

Do you know what Blibber-Blubber was? How about Wiff-Waff? If only there were an incredible game hosted by Joy Dolo to help us figure it out. Oh wait, there is! Grab your Smarty Pass and let’s play Whatchamacallit! The greatest game to explain a name.

Heartwords: A Smarty Pass Sneak Peek

Heartwords: A Smarty Pass Sneak Peek

It’s a time-honored Valentine’s Day tradition to hand out conversation hearts - those candies with phrases like “be mine” and “love always” written on them. In this episode, we play a game where contestants come up with conversation candies for made up holidays.

Want more Forever Ago fun? Join Smarty Pass today!

Want more Forever Ago fun? Join Smarty Pass today!

Forever Ago won’t be back for a few months, but never fear! You can catch up on tons of Forever Ago fun today by signing up for Smarty Pass and accessing a back catalog of bonus episodes. You’ll also get ad-free episodes, discounts on merchandise and event tickets, and an exclusive thank you gift mailed straight to your home! Plus, this month we’re hosting a super special challenge. If we get 300 new subscribers in February, all of our Smarty Pals will get to join us for a virtual party hosted by Joy Dolo, Molly Bloom, Sanden Totten and Marc Sanchez where we will challenge you with mystery sounds, answer your questions, and more. We’re on track to throw the Smash Brains Forever party of the year but need more listeners to reach our goal! Support the show and subscribe today for just $4/month or $36/year at smartypass.org.

SnowZone Bowl: A Smarty Pass sneak peek

SnowZone Bowl: A Smarty Pass sneak peek

Joy hosts the timeless classic Snow Zone Bowl– the game where you guess the rules to odd Winter Olympic sports from history. Join Joy, Sanden Totten and Anna Weggel for some frosty fun you won’t want to miss!

Chew on this! The surprising history of gum

Chew on this! The surprising history of gum

Who doesn’t love gum? It’s fun, sticky, and sweet! But did you know people have been chewing on stuff for centuries? Come explore the surprising history of gum with Joy, co-host Aliyah, and their new friend Gumpy (who may or may not be a sculpture made of old gum who magically came alive). Learn how several happy accidents led to the invention of modern chewing gum and why bubble gum is pink. And be sure to stick around for a new First Things First!

How the synthesizer changed music forever

How the synthesizer changed music forever

Synthesizers are revolutionary instruments. These electronic devices use knobs, buttons and sliders to make different sounds — and you can hear them in all sorts of music, from pop to hip-hop. But that wasn’t always the case. Join Joy and co-host Lilike as they explore the history of the synthesizer and learn one album transformed it from an experimental instrument to an essential hitmaker. We’ll also hear from Switched On Pop producer Reanna Cruz about the legacy of these groovy instruments. All that, plus a new game of First Things First! This episode was sponsored by:Disney+ (ondisneyplus.disney.com/movie/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-christmas-cabin-fever) Diary of Wimply Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever, streaming only on Disney+ December 8th. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.

Check it Out! The History of Children's Libraries

Check it Out! The History of Children's Libraries

Libraries are popular with everyone, but they're especially beloved by kids and their families. They’re places where you can listen to stories, check out books, play with toys -- all for free! What's not to love? But, it wasn't so long ago that kids weren't welcome at all. In this episode, Joy and her cohost Lillike meet a very special wooden doll named Nicholas Knickerbocker, who helps tell the story of the country's first libraries that actually wanted kids there.This episode was sponsored by:Disney+ (ondisneyplus.disney.com/movie/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-christmas-cabin-fever) Diary of Wimply Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever, streaming only on Disney+ December 8th. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.

Operation ozone: how the world patched up the hole in the sky

Operation ozone: how the world patched up the hole in the sky

Climate change can feel like an overwhelming problem, so it’s important to shine a light on environmental success stories. One such tale? How the world came together to save the ozone! Join Joy and co-host Asa as they whisk listeners from the birth of ozone-depleting chemicals, to the scientific discovery that these chemicals were destroying our atmosphere, to the stunning act of international cooperation that lead to the Montreal Protocol, the world’s most successful environmental agreement to this day. Plus, a First Things First to light up your day!This episode was sponsored by:Disney+ (ondisneyplus.disney.com/movie/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-christmas-cabin-fever) Diary of Wimply Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever, streaming only on Disney+ December 8th. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.IXL (IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP) To get a 20% off an IXL membership.Disney (movies.disney.com/wish) Only in theaters November 22, tickets available now. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested

Babies on the Boardwalk: History of the NICU

Babies on the Boardwalk: History of the NICU

Babies who are born too early often get extra care in the hospital at the NICU, or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. But the NICU didn’t always exist – and it took doctors a long time to figure out how to care for these babies. Join Joy, co-host Betty and their pal Ruby Guthrie to hear how one person saved thousands of premature babies by putting them on display at an amusement park in New York City. His boardwalk show, called the Baby Hatchery, helped convince doctors that special incubators can help premature babies survive. All that, plus a new game of First Things First that’s a real bundle of joy!This episode was sponsored by:IXL (IXL.COM/FIELDTRIP) To get a 20% off an IXL membership.Factor (Factormeals.com/brainson50) Code forever50 to get 50% off.